Types of Jobs: Private language schools, Public Schools, some tutoring

Typical Hiring Process: Most schools will interview in advance over Skype/phone, while some will require in-person interviews

Average teaching hours per week: 20-30 hours of teaching plus extra prep time

Types of Students: Business professionals, school children, private students

Cost of Living per Month: $800 - 1,000 USD (253,000 - 316,000 KZT)

Visas:Work visa in advance

Average Monthly Pay:$400 - 1,500 USD (126,000 - 4749,000 KZT)

Start-up Cost: $800 - 1,000 USD (253,000 - 316,000 KZT)

Accommodation Benefits: Some free housing provided but not guaranteed

Flight Reimbursement: Some return flights provided but not guaranteed

Teaching English in Kazakhstan 101

Kazakhstan is the 9th largest country by area in the world, but few can probably find it on a map. It is located in both Europe and Asia with the Ural River cutting through Kazakhstan in the west, forming the traditional boundary between the two continents. Fueled by a massive oil boom, Kazakhstan is quickly modernizing its economy and infrastructure, and learning English has become more important than ever in this former Soviet republic.

English teachers in Kazakhstan can find teaching jobs all year round and interviews are usually conducted in advance over the phone or Skype. It is not uncommon, however, for some schools to request in-person interviews in Kazakhstan. Teachers are typically responsible for their airfare and housing although there are some instances where free housing and return airfares will be provided. Most teachers live in apartments recently vacated by previous teachers, and many share an apartment with other English teachers.

The salary earned in comparison to the monthly cost of living in most cases is break-even, and if you budget correctly, English teachers are still able to live a comfortable lifestyle. Schools offer approximately 20 to 30 hours of work per week, leaving plenty of time to explore. While a BA is preferred, it is not required to teach English in Kazakhstan, however, a TEFL certification is absolutely necessary. Please also note that while a Bachelor’s degree is not required to secure a job in this country, it still can be strongly preferred by employers. If you do not have a degree, you should be prepared for a more competitive job search. Most of those teaching English in Kazakhstan will find jobs in the major cities of Almaty and Astana.

Teach Abroad in 7 Steps

TEFL Certification Options for Teaching English in Kazakhstan

You don't need a degree in education or professional teaching experience to teach English in Kazakhstan, but earning your TEFL certification will provide you with the training and qualification you need to get hired. Because schools and recruiters interview prospective teachers in their home country in advance, most Americans and Canadians take their TEFL certification class online or in North America. All International TEFL Academy TEFL students receive lifetime worldwide Job Search Guidance. Here are recommended options:

Online TEFL Certification

Earn your internationally accredited 170-hour TEFL certification online. Taught by experienced university-level professors, this 11-week part-time course incorporates live practice teaching and is designed to accommodate those working or going to school full time. Learn more.

North American TEFL Courses

Take a 4-week TEFL Course in the U.S. prior to heading abroad. Learn more.

Lifetime Job Search Guidance

How Can We Help You Teach English Abroad?

Based in Chicago, IL, International TEFL Academy is a World leader in TEFL certification for teaching English abroad. We offer internationally accredited TEFL Classes online & in 25 locations worldwide. We certify 5,000 people a year from all walks of life to teach English abroad and our graduates are teaching English in 80 countries across the globe. All ITA students and graduates receive lifetime worldwide Job Search Guidance.